The Diabetes Prevention Program was identified by the Chronic Disease Action Team as an action, that when combined with other actions in our community, that has a reasonable chance of making a difference in diabetes prevalence and weight status in our community. The Healthy NC 2020 Evidence Based Strategies lists the Diabetes Prevention Program as an evidence-based strategy. This is an ongoing program in our community.

The audience for the Diabetes Prevention Program are adults, age 18 years and older, with pre-diabetes and those who have multiple risk factors for diabetes. The Diabetes Prevention Program aims to make a difference at the individual change level-- working to increase individual's knowledge and influence over his or her attitudes and beliefs regarding diabetes prevention and weight loss. Implementation will take place in community or clinical settings, like Health Departments, the local library, physician's offices, and more.

The Diabetes Prevention Program targets health disparities. Often, residents of low SES are at greater risk of developign a chronic disease and being unable to manage said chronic disease. This program hopes to break that cycle by helping residents learn to manage their disease at low or no cost.

Pre-diabetes graphic developed by the CDC

The partners for this program include:

• Jackson County Department of Public Health
  • Role: Leads classes
• Department on Aging
  • Role: Provides access to participants, venue for classes, assists with promotion, helps purchase supplies
• Western Carolina University
  • Role: Provides access to participants, venue for classes, assists with promotion, helps purchase supplies
• Southwestern Community College
  • Role: Provides access to participants, venue for classes, assists with promotion, helps purchase supplies
• Jackson County Public Schools
  • Role: Provides access to participants, venue for classes, assists with promotion, helps purchase supplies
• MountainWise
  • Role: Provides access to participants, venue for classes, assists with promotion, helps purchase supplies
• Jackson County Public Library
  • Role: Provides access to participants, venue for classes, assists with promotion, helps purchase supplies

2016 Updates

DPP Class: This year-long class ended in December 2016. Nine participants graduated. Each participant lost weight and lowered their HbA1c significantly. Data was submitted to the CDC with hopes of the Health Department receiving CDC recognition for this program.